Gold

Spurred on by remarks from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Dec 1 that suggested the US central bank could cut interest rates in early 2024, gold prices saw a new high on Dec 4.
Mr Powell’s comments that US monetary policy was “well into restrictive territory” elevated confidence in investors.
The precious metal jumped 3.1 per cent to US$2,135.39 an ounce in early Asian trade before falling back, AFP reported.
Despite the impact of Mr Powell’s words, experts told CNA that the surge in prices was likely due to a combination of factors coming together.
DBS Chief Investment Office investment analyst Goh Jun Yong said that falling treasury yields, moderating US dollar strength and persistent central bank buying contributed to Dec 4’s gold prices.

Silver

What exists now in the silver market is a very unique phenomenon. This is due in large part to the physical market being virtually nonexistent, with supplyrunning dangerously thin since the buyout earlier this month.
As such, there remains very little physical silver for purchase, which in tandem with a catalyst could trigger a massive surge higher in the near- or mid-term.
Of course, much of the silver trade also takes place in the form of exchange-traded-funds (ETFs), namely iShares Silver Trust (NYSE:SLV).
Together with other silver ETFs, these instruments have also benefitted from a buyout of the physical market and will continue to do so moving forward.
After peaking at $30 in February 2021, silver spot prices retreated as low as $26 days later before finding firm support. What this tells us is that there is a clear floor to recent prices, with this level serving as a key metric for ensuring a consequent bull run.

How many times have you heard “it’s an investment piece!” when buying an engagement ring or a Van Cleef necklace? How many women have asked for a Cartier Love bracelet as a “push” present, a Tiffany heart necklace for graduation or a Verdura cuff for a 50th anniversary? While these requests may be reserved for the privileged among us, they are coveted by all as timeless, cross-generational, family heirlooms that will perpetually withstand the test of time. Investing in them should be just as important as purchasing them to time stamp life milestones, right? Not so fast.
So what does jewelry have to do with the investment world? Alternative investments used to encompass hedge, venture and private equity funds; commodities (precious metals including gold); and the “OG” alternative asset, real estate. The now infamous bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have dominated the headlines of the past decade or so and gave the alternatives industry a reputation of being innovative and tech-forward, but also risky, volatile and susceptible to fraud. Perhaps it’s time to revert to the scarcity and stability of “real assets,” the highest end of which is firmly grounded in the luxury sector?